Chapter 356

Chapter 361: Winter (Part 1)

Elevenniang watched the matron’s proud expression with wry amusement.

But perhaps this was for the best.

Under normal circumstances, an adopted heir would not maintain contact with his natural parents. Given that Wang Chengzu’s birth parents could act in such a manner, they were likely unreasonable people. It might well prove the old saying true: "The wicked will meet their match." Still, even a cornered rabbit would bite. Lady Ten was taking quite a risk.

She asked the serving woman, "When you went to investigate at the Wang residence, did many people know about it?"

"Not many, not many," the woman hurriedly replied. "It was a sister I befriended while helping at the Wang household. She works in the kitchen and has little contact with the main household. Thanks to her excellent skills, she’s managed to stay there steadily."

"Very well," Elevenniang said after a moment’s thought. "From now on, go there every two or three days. There’s no need to hide your movements, but don’t make a show of it either. If anyone asks, just say I sent you to check on things."

This way, Wang Chengzu’s birth parents might at least show some restraint.

The serving woman eagerly agreed with a smile.

Elevenniang had Amber reward her with a tael of silver: "Do this well, and there will be more rewards."

The woman left, delighted.

A few days later, she returned with news.

"Tenth Sister ordered the steward to drive out all the distant kin living in the Duke Mao estate. Those people ignored her, so Tenth Sister had the kitchen stop providing them meals. Someone went to confront her, but before they could say a word, Tenth Sister flung a cup of hot tea at them..." Here, the woman stole a glance at Elevenniang.

Though startled, Elevenniang quickly realized this was exactly the kind of thing Lady Ten would do. She kept her expression neutral, leisurely sipping her tea.

Seeing this, the serving woman dared to continue.

"If that person hadn’t dodged quickly—and if Tenth Sister weren’t weakened by long illness—that tea would’ve hit their face. The others, hearing of this, began shouting in protest. Tenth Sister then wrenched down the ancestral sword displayed in the main hall and slammed it onto the ground, declaring that unless they had the guts to kill her, she’d burn down the side rooms housing the distant kin in three days. That forced them to back down. That very night, some bundled their possessions and fled secretly. When Tenth Sister found out, she stationed burly guards at the gates. Now, anyone leaving the Duke Mao estate is thoroughly searched. If they’re caught with even a single item from the estate, they’re turned over to the prefect on charges of theft. The whole lot of them are in disarray now."

Elevenniang pondered for a moment before having Lv Yun summon Steward Bai.

"My sister Ten is now a widow with a child, caring for a severely ill mother-in-law. I worry that rogues or idlers might take advantage. Please send a message to the prefect, asking his men to patrol near the Duke Mao estate more often." She then instructed Amber to give Steward Bai fifty taels of silver. "This is for the runners to buy drinks."

Steward Bai hastily declined the silver. "Our estate already hosts them for banquets during the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and New Year. We rarely trouble them otherwise. Now that you’ve given them a task, it’s a chance for them to return the favor. There’s no need for silver!" He added, "Rest assured, Madam. I’ll handle this personally. No one will dare cause trouble at the Duke Mao estate."

The silver had only been meant as a gesture of gratitude. Since Steward Bai refused, Elevenniang didn’t press further. After exchanging a few polite words, Steward Bai took his leave with practiced courtesy.

That evening, she discussed the matter with Lord Xu. "...Who knows what else will happen next? It’s truly worrying!"

"What’s there to worry about?" Lord Xu leaned over to extinguish the lamp. "As long as Yongping Marquis’s household stands, those people will think twice." He then shifted the topic to the shop. "How are the preparations coming along?"

"The embroiderers will arrive in a few days," Elevenniang replied, her voice lighter with satisfaction. "The previous tenant left in a hurry, leaving behind some cosmetics. Mistress Jian suggested we buy them at a discount. When we open, we can use them to reward customers with a complimentary box of rouge or powder compacts. She mentioned seeing shops in Jiangnan giving out rice bags during openings. I thought it was a good idea, so I spent over two hundred taels on four hundred boxes of powder compacts, three hundred boxes of rouge, and some pomades and lip rouge. My only worry is whether we’ll have enough to give away."

Lord Xu chuckled. "If there are leftovers, use them to reward the maids and older women at home. The New Year is approaching anyway."

"That’s a fine idea, my lord," Elevenniang said with a smile. "But I worry some might take it as a precedent and expect cosmetics every year. If there really are extras, I’d rather just reward my own attendants."

"You decide," Lord Xu said, dismissing it as a trivial matter. "By the way, Steward Bai mentioned that Yang Huizu, the man you recommended, is quite capable in procurement. He suggested promoting him to assistant steward."

"He was originally Elder Sister’s dowry attendant," Elevenniang said, not taking credit. She recounted how she’d sought Yang Huizu out to buy pearls. "...I recommended him to you because he impressed me."

They chatted for a long while before retiring.

Drowsily half-asleep, she felt Lord Xu rising beside her.

"What’s the matter?"

"It's nothing, go back to sleep," Lord Xu gently patted her head.

Already awakened, Lady Eleven simply opened her eyes.

The lamp in the outer chamber lit up, accompanied by murmured voices, light footsteps fading into the distance, and the soft creak of a door hinge. Then, Lord Xu, wearing an inner robe, lifted the curtain and entered.

In the dim half-light, he saw a pair of eyes shining like jewels.

"Did we wake you?" he murmured with a low chuckle, removing his outer robe and climbing into bed.

"What happened?" Lady Eleven stifled a yawn behind her sleeve.

"At the beginning of the Yin hour, the Empress gave birth to a princess."

"Ah!" Lady Eleven instantly shed all drowsiness. Though she had known the Empress’s delivery was imminent these past few days, hearing the confirmed news still brought a rush of delight. "A daughter is her mother's little comfort. With both a son and a daughter, Her Majesty must be overjoyed. We should celebrate properly."

"The Emperor is also delighted," Lord Xu nodded with a smile. "This is the Emperor's first legitimate daughter. He has ordered the Messenger Office to draft an edict, summoning princes and ministers to the palace in three days for their congratulations. He also plans to issue a general amnesty."

"So grand!" Lady Eleven was startled, though upon reflection, she understood.

Though he had seven sons, this was his first daughter.

But Lord Xu's thoughts diverged from hers. "These past days have been tense over debates over maritime trade. Celebrating the princess's birth might help ease the mood."

In mid-September, the Emperor had issued an edict to reestablish maritime trade offices in Quanzhou, Ningbo, and Guangzhou. But at the moment, this wasn't Lady Eleven's primary concern.

She sat up. "Let's go share the good news with Mother! It will surely bring her joy."

"Let's wait a little longer," Lord Xu gently pressed her shoulder. "It's only three quarters past the Yin hour." Lady Eleven was surprised.

That meant the news had reached Lord Xu within just three quarters of an hour after the princess's birth.

She couldn't help but glance at Lord Xu.

Catching her look, he replied evasively, "It's better to know of palace affairs sooner rather than later."

Lady Eleven asked no further and lay down again, though sleep eluded her. She spoke instead. "Any news from Fujian?"

"Nothing much," Lord Xu replied mildly. "The Qu clan's factions have gradually quieted down, shifting their focus from searching for the missing heir to deciding who should inherit the title. Regional Commander Li has launched anti-bandit campaigns several times with significant victories. The Ministry of War is petitioning for his merit, seeking to confer upon him the title of General of Distant Pacification."

Since all this was expected, it hardly counted as news.

Lady Eleven pondered, recalling Li Ji, who had accompanied her father to Fujian.

As if reading her thoughts, Lord Xu mentioned him. "...He's been appointed a company commander under his father."

A company commander held the fifth rank. The next step would be the fourth rank—a hurdle many never crossed in their lifetimes. But once past it, with connections in court and no political missteps, rising to the third rank as a regional commander was within reach. Yet for Li Ji to attain such a position at such a young age—was Regional Commander Li pushing too hard?

Lady Eleven contemplated this when a warm hand clasped hers. "Life is long; one cannot judge by mere moments."

She turned to meet Lord Xu's gentle gaze.

"The edge of a sword is honed through grinding; the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from bitter cold. Early success is not always a blessing. Before the provincial military exams began, I summoned Zhong Ran and asked his plans. After much hesitation, he chose to honor his prior commitment—staying in Yanjing to assist the Shao family's candidates in next year's metropolitan military exams before returning to Cangzhou for the autumn provincial exams. Though he seemed reserved, his willingness to put others first and keep his word shows the bearing of a gentleman. I find him steady—no wonder you favor him."

So he had spoken to reassure her, fearing she might feel torn between hope and worry at Li Ji's early promotion.

Warmth blossomed in Lady Eleven's heart. "The principle is clear, yet it's hard not to feel torn between hope and worry."

Lord Xu smiled faintly at her words. Lady Eleven possessed an open candor that made conversation with her like a breath of fresh air.

He couldn't help but tightly cradle the small hand in his palm.

Delicate and soft, like mutton-fat jade (a prized white jade), making one reluctant to let go.

"Sleep a little longer," Lord Xu murmured, leaning against the pillow. "We'll go give Mother the news when it's light."

Eleven Miss nodded and tried to withdraw her hand to lie down.

But her hand was held firmly in place.

She turned to look at Lord Xu.

He had already closed his eyes, as if asleep.

Were they seriously going to sleep holding hands like this?

Eleven Miss complained silently to herself and tugged at her hand again with more force.

His large hand didn't budge.

His closed eyes were peaceful and serene.

After staring at him for what felt like ages, Eleven Miss had no choice but to lie down with a sigh, letting him hold her as she drifted off to sleep.

Lord Xu opened his eyes, his gaze full of tenderness as he watched Eleven Miss.

By the end of the year, Eleven Miss heard some news.

It was said that the second son of the Fujian Regional Commander's family had become betrothed to the youngest daughter of Princess Ancheng's household, marking their betrothal.